Vitamins, Diet and Sports Nutrition

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy announced on Monday the launch of the Family Vitamin Center, a new health hub on CVS.com to help educate customers on the vitamins and supplements that can support their personal health goals.

NEW YORK — South Beach Diet on Monday unveiled a new addition to its family of nutritious and convenient snacks — the South Beach Diet 100 Calorie Smoothie in chocolate truffle flavor. 

The new smoothie contains 6 grams of protein and fiber and has no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or sugar alcohols.

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — In 2013, NBTY supported more than 30 organizations, including Feed The Children and International Aid, with nearly $7 million in products and money to provide sustenance, nutrition and support to those who need it most, the supplement manufacturer announced Thursday. 

NBTY's donations to Feed The Children are estimated to have reached almost 450,000 beneficiaries, the company stated.  

CHICAGO — Among patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease, a daily dosage of 2,000 IUs of vitamin E, compared to placebo, was effective in slowing functional decline and in reducing caregiver time in assisting patients, according to a study that appeared in the Jan. 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on companies claiming their products can speed recovery from concussions, according to a consumer update posted Wednesday. 

PURCHASE, N.Y. — U.S. retail sales reportedly rose 3.5% between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, 2013 compared to the same period in the prior year. According to data from MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, sales of holiday-related categories, such as clothing, electronics and luxury goods, rose 2.3%, after rising 0.7% in 2012.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Core Science Medica has targeted consumers in need of a gluten-free lifestyle with its launch of Gluten Cutter, a dietary supplement to help gluten-sensitive consumers occasionally enjoy their favorite foods again. The supplement contains GCX50, a proprietary blend of enzymes, along with licorice, peppermint and ginger. The complex is designed to target and break down gluten, support intestinal health during gluten exposure and aid digestion.

Probiotics have continued to rake in sales this fall, and it’s a product category that still has plenty of growth potential. According to a survey by Procter & Gamble, 53% of women still don’t know what probiotics are, but 74% are interested in how their digestive system works.

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)